Internationally best-selling author of Last of the Amazons, Gates of Fire and Tides of War, Steven Pressfield delivers a guide to inspire and support those who struggle to express their creativity. Pressfield believes that “resistance” is the greatest enemy, and he offers many unique and helpful ways to overcome it.

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Publisher's Summary

Internationally best-selling author of Last of the Amazons, Gates of Fire and Tides of War, Steven Pressfield delivers a guide to inspire and support those who struggle to express their creativity. Pressfield believes that “resistance” is the greatest enemy, and he offers many unique and helpful ways to overcome it.

The book title seems to indicate that it's only for creative types -- I would disagree. Anyone who is passionate about their work, or is trying to find how/what to be passionate about in their life can take away some valuable lessons from this book. If you suffer from procrastination, or lack the passion to finish projects -- this book is the kick in the butt you may very well need. It's a short read/listen, but it's well worth it; I would recommend multiple reads to keep yourself inspired.

This book is broken into three parts, the first two are fantastic. He identifies and analyses what blocks an artist from accomplishing their work. It is something that everyone - artist or no - can relate to. The last part is a little too fuzzy and spiritual for my tastes - but at least he warns you about it first.

This book will acquaint you with Resistance in all it's cunning disguises, so you can face it down and get on with your Work. This book is not only for artists, writers, or other creative types. I think it would be helpful to anyone who can't seem to lose a bit of weight, kick the drinking habit, or commit to taking the actions toward whatever eludes them. It's probably Resistance, and this book will show you what to do about it.

I think as a creative person, this book just spoke to me, on so many different levels. The contents of this book are completely universal, regardless of whether you're an artist or not, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will listen again.

What did you like best about this story?

I actually liked part 3, the spiritual side of where he thinks our creativity comes from - it's definitely divine.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

I loved the idea of invoking the Muse, and I'm not a hippie either.

Any additional comments?

Try this book out if you're creative, not-creative, or want to be creative.

YES! I'm a working artist, and its a hard road, but if feels good to hear someone GET IT! and talk form that place of knowing. first book ive ever gifted.

Who was your favorite character and why?

VERY interesting hearing about the muses

Did George Guidall do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

least favorite part of the book. part of the charm is the casual yet astute writing, this over dramatized read just doesnt match. but STILL i listened to it twice so ....

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES, and i did ... twice. and i will again.

Any additional comments?

there is something important about knowing some one understands your struggle. YES this topic has been covered but the concise simplicity and humor, just made this STICK for me, and several other artists i know ...

I am not a Steven Pressfield person, didn't even really know who he was before I looked him up after ordering this book, but I wanted to read an artist's thoughts on creating art, and how hard it can be; I didn't care who the artist was. However, the book turns out to be very much from a male, former marine, do it or die point of view (the author's background). There was much in the book that I could identify with and I really loved the first part, which is on how to overcome resistance to working. What artist is there who doesn't find everything and anything else to do other than the work of their favorite yet most challenging thing? There were a lot of stories and insights about it that I could "take away" to use in real life. The last part was supposed to be transcendent, tying together philosophy, science and religion. It didn't work for me because I don't share his religious views, but his points were not radical or strange. I believe there is some useful info in here for everyone, at some point in their creative life. The reader did an excellent job, but he sounded all too tough and male and that probably made me feel separate (being female).

Would you try another book from Steven Pressfield and/or George Guidall?

If it is fiction, I would absolutely consider a book by Pressfield.

What was most disappointing about Steven Pressfield’s story?

The book is full of claims with no backup. I know Pressfield wasn't writing for peer reviewed journals on his methods of defeating procrastination, but there are a lot of assumptions made that should not have been.

Did George Guidall do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

I don't pay that much attention to the reader unless it is really bad or really good so he must have been in between that.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment, and annoyance. Spoiler alert: To defeat procrastination you should pray to muses and rely on angels. Okie dokie. Next time just tell me to throw a penny in a wishing well and save me a couple hours.

Any additional comments?

I won't say the book is worthless. I'm sure some people can find some motivation in there somewhere. It was just a lazy book of claims from someone that sees themselves as an authority on a subject. It comes off more like a drunk bar conversation with someone telling you the secret to their success.

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